I usually succeed in letting the rudeness roll off my back, but I have been known to say something sarcastic in return. (I know. SHOCKING!)

“We’re just trying to outnumber the idiots,” or “We keep saying we’ll stop when we get an ugly one, but it hasn’t happened yet,” are my favorites snarky responses.

And every time someone says, “Better you than me,” I say, “I couldn’t agree more.”

I do add, “Each one is a blessing,” “We don’t regret having a single one,” before I turn to go, and so far I have refrained from asking whether their mothers ever taught them any manners.

Because of these experiences, I appreciate more than ever the support and positive comments I hear from people about our large family and I always make sure to encourage parents I run into who have their own large crew.